Shot glass tray

ABSTRACT

An attractive and unique tray to carry and present a plurality of drinking vessels, more specifically shot glasses, includes a holding tray comprising a base and a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base, and mounted to the base. A plurality of holders are each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap. Each holder includes its own base and wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber. An actuating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the holding tray, the actuating mechanism having an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the holding tray. The actuating mechanism is operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the cap, to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the holding tray.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an articulating holding and carrying tray, and more particularly a tray useful for carrying a plurality of drinking vessels and presenting the same.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an attractive and unique tray to carry and present a plurality of drinking vessels, more specifically shot glasses. Therefore, the present disclosure includes a holding tray comprising a base and a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base, and mounted to the base such that the cap and the base share substantially the same perimeter. A plurality of holders are each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap. Each holder includes its own base and wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber.

An actuating mechanism is rotatably mounted within the holding tray, the actuating mechanism having an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the holding tray. The actuating mechanism is operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter cap, to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the holding tray.

In a further embodiment, each said holder further comprises a cutout penetrating at least one of a sidewall and a base of the holder, in order to provide access to the internal chamber.

In a further embodiment, the internal cushion comprises a resilient layer over substantially the entire interior surface of the internal chamber, and/or an elongated strip of resilient material vertically oriented on the internal wall of the holder.

In a further embodiment, the actuating knob is centrally located on a top surface of the cap.

In a further embodiment, a thrust bearing is operative to support the actuating mechanism for rotary motion. The thrust bearing and/or the actuating mechanism may include means to dampen the motion of the actuating mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

These and other features, advantages and benefits of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of the disclosure which refers to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like features across the several views, and wherein

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, having a plurality of holder tubes in a respective retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the tray in FIG. 1, also having a plurality of holder tubes in a respective retracted position;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of a tray according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, having a plurality of holder tubes in a respective extended position;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the tray in FIG. 3, also having a plurality of holder tubes in a respective retracted position;

FIG. 4A is an isolated top view of a single holder tube;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional elevation view taken along section line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5A is a side view of a connecting arm employed in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-section view taken along line 6-6- in FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE DISCLOSURE

Referring primarily now to FIG. 5, illustrated in cross-section is a shot glass tray assembly, generally 10, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The assembly 10 includes a base 12, in this case circular, and a cap 14 of corresponding size and shape to the base 12. The cap 14 and base 12 are separated by and secured to an internal frame 16. The cap 14 may be secured to the internal frame 16 by fasteners 18, in this example screws, though rivets, clamps or clips, etc. may be substituted, as may adhesive, or a snap-fit. The base 12 and cap 14 preferably are mounted to the internal frame 16 to have a substantially shared outer perimeter.

The base 12 may be provided with a plurality of stopper feet 20, preferably formed of a resilient and enhanced-friction material, in order to prevent marring of the surface on which the assembly 10 is set, yet allow it to hold its position securely, for example when placed on a bar top or table top in its currently contemplated usage environment. As an example only, thermoplastic rubber is considered a suitable material for stopper feet 20, though natural rubber, other plastics, or cork may be suitable as well. The stopper feet 20 are distributed over the underside surface of the base 12, preferably equally distributed around the center of the base 12, and preferably near its perimeter. Stopper feet 20 may be, as illustrated, recessed into the underside of the base 12, and further may be secured by adhesive, force fit, interlocking geometry or snap fit, etc. In place of the stopper feet 20, the entire bottom surface or at least portions thereof may be provided with a material as described for use in the stopper feet, or alternately a fabric material, to accomplish similar results of non-marring and friction enhancement.

The assembly 10 includes a plurality of holders 30 which are rotationally connected with the base 12 and/or the cap 14. In the exemplary embodiment, the holder 30 includes a substantially cylindrical chamber 32, sized and shaped to enclose a cylindrical drinking vessel, e.g., a shot glass, as is commonly used for serving certain alcoholic beverages. A cutout or window portion 34, which preferably extends into some portion of the holder base 36, and also extends into some portion of the wall 38 that otherwise defines chamber 32. The cutout 34 allows a cylindrical drinking vessel (not shown) to be inserted into and removed from the chamber 32. The cylindrical shape and particular size is merely exemplary, and may be modified without limitation.

Further, the holder 30 may be provided with an internal cushion 40 to further protect the held drinking vessel (not shown). As illustrated, cushion 40 is a resilient layer covering the interior of the chamber 32. In the exemplary embodiment, a thermoplastic rubber layer is contemplated for cushion 40, though other materials may be substituted, including without limitation natural rubber, other plastics, or cork, etc. Providing an internal cushion 40 protects the inserted drinking vessel (not shown) from damage or breakage in handling or movement of the tray.

Alternately or additionally, and referring to FIG. 4A, the internal cushion 40 may be configured as a resilient material intermittently provided on the interior surface of the chamber 32, for example side wall 38 and/or base 36. Certain configurations contemplated include an elongated strip 41, preferably having rounded cross-section and/or rounded ends, running vertically up the side wall 38 in one or more locations around the circumference of the chamber 32. Other configurations will be apparent to one of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Alternately or additionally, it is further contemplated that the holder 30 provides thermal insulation to the vessel and its contents. For example, a vessel containing a beverage and/or the beverage itself may be prepared to be served cold, or hot. At least the holder 30, and alternately the cap 14 as well as the base 14 may be provided to thermally insulate the vessels and/or the contents to maintain their prepared temperature until served to the consumer. In one embodiment, that thermal insulation is provided by the material characteristics of the cushion 40 itself, particularly where the cushion 40 covers all or substantially all of the interior of the chamber 32. Alternately a separate thermal insulating layer may be provided in addition to the cushion 40 in whatever form the latter may take.

Each holder 30 may include one or more stems 42 a, 42 b, which pivotally connect the holder 30 with the base 12 and/or cap 14, respectively. The stems 42 a, 42 b are preferably connected with the base 12 and/or cap 14 near their respective outer perimeters. Where two stems 42 a, 42 b, are provided, they form a single axis of rotation 44 about which each holder 30 can pivot. The range of pivotal motion of the holders 30 preferably includes a fully retracted position, illustrated in FIG. 1, wherein each of the holders 30, illustrated in hidden line, are fully within the perimeter of the base 12 and/or cap 14, or near so as can be obtained, to a position of each respective holder 30 rotated to a position about 180 degrees around the axis 44, such that the window 34 of the holder 30 faces outward to a degree that the interior of the chamber 32, and more particularly a drinking vessel (not shown) that can be placed therein, is readily accessible.

Operation of the tray 10 and holders 30 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. In FIG. 6 one holder and its actuating arm 52 is illustrated in isolation for clarity. It will be apparent from the phantom line circle that the structure of each holder 30, and actuating arm 52, for example, is repeated around the circumference of the tray 10.

In order to actuate the rotation of holders 30, each such holder 30 is operatively connected with an actuation plate 50 via at least one actuating arm 52. As shown in FIG. 6, the internal frame 16 may pass through slots provided in the actuating plate 50 sized to admit frame tabs 16 a. Frame tabs 16 a in turn secure the internal frame to the base 12, while the slots in the actuating plate 50 permit it at least some rotational freedom to actuate the holders 30. Where the actuating plate 50 extends radially outside the internal frame 16, as shown in FIG. 6, the actuating arms 52 may be connected to the actuating plate 50 also radially outside the internal frame 16. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the actuating plate 50 is positioned generally within the internal frame 16 and one or more of the actuating arms 52 pass through a plurality of the openings 54.

In the exemplary embodiment, the actuating plate 50 is further positioned at the lower end of the internal frame 16 and is supported for rotation by a thrust bearing 56 on the base 12. A center stem 58 connects the actuation plate 50 with a knob 60 located above the cap 14, by which a user may rotate the actuating plate 50 and thereby actuate the rotation of the holders 30. As seen in the top plan views of FIGS. 2 & 4, the cap 14 may include indicia 62 illustrative of the direction to operate the knob 60 to open the holders 30. The knob 60 may be further provided with textured features, e.g., ridges 64, to facilitate its grip and rotation. It is further contemplated that either the thrust bearing 56 or other means provides the ability to dampen the motion of the actuating plate, for example by contact friction, fluid friction, or the like. Thereby, the articulation of the holders 30 may be done in a smooth manner, with no jarring stops or starts, which for example might spill the contents of the drinking vessels.

An actuating arm 52 is illustrated separately in FIG. 5A. In this case, the actuating arm is formed of a stainless steel with opposite ends 52 a, 52 b, respectively, bent at approximately 90 degrees to the axis of the wire, and in respective opposite directions from one another. In this way, the actuating arm 52 may be fitted into each of a hole respectively provided on the actuating plate 50 and a holder 30. The actuating arm 52 is thus pivotally connected with both the actuating plate 50 and the holder 30. Further, the length of the actuating arm 52 is set such that when pivotally connected with both the actuation plate 50 and the respective holder 30, that movement of the actuation plate 50 induces the holder to rotate about axis 44, from its retracted position to its extended position, as described above. In this way, a user may turn the knob 60 to thereby rotate actuation plate 50 in the direction of the clockwise circular arrows of FIG. 6. This motion of actuating plate 50 in turn, via actuating arms 52, extends the holders 30 by rotation from the retracted position (solid line), to the extended position (broken line).

Certain modifications contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure will be further discussed. Initially, the exemplary embodiment illustrated a round tray, though other regular or irregular shaped may be used. It is further part of the exemplary embodiment that the plurality of holders 30, twelve (12) of them in this case, occupy substantially the entire perimeter of the assembly 10. Fewer than necessary to occupy substantially the entire perimeter may be used, spaced equally or irregularly around the perimeter. In this regard, the exterior side of the assembly 10 may be optionally fitted with panels at the perimeter to preserve a continuous appearance, if desired. Moreover, the holders 30 are in the exemplary embodiment cylindrical. The holders 30 themselves may be configured with an outwardly-facing wall panel in their respective retracted position which, in combination with the adjacent holders 30, presents a substantially smooth and contiguous outer side surface of the tray, or substantially any other presentation desired.

It is further contemplated in the exemplary embodiment that the holders 30 move in unison from their respective retracted positions to their respective extended positions by the motion of the actuation plate 50. However, the interaction between the actuation plate 50 on the one hand and the holders 30 on the other can be adjusted such that the holders rotate in any arbitrary order, for example sequentially or alternately. This increase in complexity may heighten the aesthetic appeal to the consumer of the beverage presented by the tray according to the present disclosure.

While the exemplary embodiment is operated by means of a knob 60 on the cap 14, other configurations are contemplated, including ones located on the lateral side of the assembly 10, or an underside of the base 12. A lever, ring, or other structure may be substituted in place of the knob 60. Furthermore the interaction between the actuating plate 50 and the holders 30 may also be provided by gear teeth provided on the holder 30, one of its stems 42 a, 42 b, as well as on the actuating ring 50, and/or interposed between any of them. The arrangement of gear teeth may be intermittent to accomplish a staggered rotation of the holders 30 in response to motion of the actuating plate 50.

Although the present disclosure has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is preferred, therefore, that the present invention not be limited the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims. 

1. A holding tray comprising: a base; a cap having a corresponding size and shape of the base and mounted to the base; a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap, each holder having a base and a wall defining an internal chamber therein and further having one or more internal cushions mounted to at least one of the wall or base and operative to cushion an object placed in the chamber; an actuating mechanism rotatably mounted to at least one of the base and the cap, wherein the actuating mechanism is operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within a perimeter of the cap, to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the holder; and an actuating knob accessible from an exterior of the cap for rotating the actuating mechanism.
 2. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein each said holder further comprises a cutout penetrating at least one of a sidewall and a base of the holder, thereby providing access to the internal chamber.
 3. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein said internal cushion comprises a resilient layer over substantially the entire interior surface of the internal chamber.
 4. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein said internal cushion comprises an elongated strip of resilient material vertically oriented on the internal wall of the holder.
 5. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein the actuating knob is centrally located on a top surface of the cap.
 6. A holding tray according to claim 1, further comprising a thrust bearing operative to support the actuating mechanism for rotary motion.
 7. A holding tray according to claim 1, further comprising a dampening means operative to dampen its motion of the actuating mechanism.
 8. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein the cap and the base share substantially the same perimeter.
 9. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein the internal cushion of the holders comprises a thermoplastic rubber material.
 10. A holding tray according to claim 1, wherein the holder has a low degree of thermal conductivity whereby the holder provides a thermally insulating characteristic with respect to its contents.
 11. A holding tray comprising: a support, a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to the support, each holder having an internal chamber cushioned to cushion an object placed in the chamber; and an actuating mechanism operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the support to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support.
 12. A method of serving drinking vessels, comprising: providing a carrying tray having a support; a plurality of holders each rotatably mounted to the support, each holder having an internal chamber cushioned to cushion an object placed in the chamber; and an actuating mechanism operatively connected with each of the plurality of holders and operative to rotate said holders from a position substantially within the perimeter of the support to a position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support; providing one or more drinking vessels individually in a holder of the tray; and providing the holders in said position substantially within the perimeter of the support, subsequently actuating said actuating mechanism to rotate the holders to said position wherein the internal chamber of the holder is accessible from an exterior of the support.
 13. The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to claim 12, wherein the actuating mechanism rotates the holders in unison.
 14. The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to claim 12, wherein the actuating mechanism is operable from above the carrying tray.
 15. The method of serving a plurality of drinking vessels according to claim 12, further comprising thermally insulating the object placed in the chamber from the serving environment before it is served. 